Morphometric and volumetric analysis of lacrimal glands in patients with thyroid eye disease

Assessment of morphometric and volumetric changes in lacrimal glands in thyroid eye disease, its clinical manifestations in relation of disease progression. Retrospective volumetric analysis included both genders and was performed on total of 183 patients - 91 patients with diagnosed Grave's disease and thyroid eye disease and 92 patients without Grave's disease and thyroid eye disease who underwent multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) examination in routine daily work according to other medical indications. In the group of females, there was statistical significance between patients with thyroid eye disease and controls who were smoking and had body weight gain. We found statistical significance in volumetric enlargements for both orbits in both genders for the patients group when compared to controls. There was also statistical significance in morphometric characteristics for the lacrimal gland diameters measured. Determination planimetric morphometric parameters of importance were coronary height of lacrimal gland of the right eye, coronary height of lacrimal gland of the left eye and coronary width of lacrimal gland of the left eye for the group of males. In a group of females the established determination parameters of importance were the coronary height of lacrimal gland of the left eye, the axial width of lacrimal gland of the left eye, volume of lacrimal gland of the right eye and the volume of lacrimal gland of the left eye. When we compared the displaced lacrimal gland coming forward (proptosis) in time progressing disease between group of patients and controls, we also found statistical significant connection. Evaluation of lacrimal gland volumetric and morphometric data may increase validity of defining this anatomical substrate and its morphology disruption as liable tool for thyroid eye disease progression follow up and treatment planning and outcome.

Impact of ketamine on spontaneous coordinate activity and short memory behavior in rodents´ chronic unpredictable stress model

Introduction/Objective. This research aims to evaluate the impact of chronic stress on behavioral effects of ketamine, which are still not sufficiently clear. Methods. Wistar male rats aged five weeks were used in the experiment. The animals were divided into two equal groups: control and experimental. After being exposed to a chronic unpredictable stress paradigm for 42 days, experimental rats received a single injection of ketamine (10 mg/kg; day 45) as did the control group. The impact of ketamine was assessed using behavioral tests, spontaneous coordinate activity, and water maze tests for the evaluation of short-term memory. Results. The experimental group rats showed less spontaneous motoric activity than before ketamine application. Statistical significance was shown in gaining weight after time of ketamine application in the control group, as well as in the experimental group, where they showed weight loss during stress paradigm and then increased their weight after ketamine application. There was no statistical significance in speed measurements in either group, showing no effects on short-term memory behavior. Conclusion. These findings show that ketamine in a single subanesthetic dose has antidepressant and anxiolytic-like effects in male rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress paradigm.